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I recently purchased a Mills Cross Diamond Free Play in the original stand but NO Keys.
Any suggestions how I can get into the slot and removing it from the locked base.
The local locksmiths I have contacted have no idea how to pick a Mills Lock
I would hate to drill out the locks, especially the locking bar on the base stand.
Here are a few pixs
Thanks
John

Mills locks are still available on ebay and really not that expensive. You can sometimes pick one up for between 40 to 50 dollars. Just getting a key made can cost maybe about half that so your really not out that much. I don't know about the base lock and what type of lock that is. I've heard that some guys were able to pick the Mills locks themselves. If you try to pry the rear door off you take the danger of breaking some of the castings which you don't want to happen. Maybe some others on this site have better ideas.

Drilling the lock out wont only mean one less original lock but all of the fine brass shavings from drilling will get in to the mech and will most likely require tear down to clean all out, try a different lock smith, I dont know were you are located Dave Burton can get you a key cut for it he is from Chicago, if nothing else works for you as last result I would drill the lock bar welds from upper door, if you have an other door to look at, mills always secured them in the same spots, using a magnet to keep the shavings from falling in and a door is real easy to fix.

Honestly it's not a big problem. I have taken pace, Mills and Jennings to a locksmith here in Houston Texas and each time they pick the lock and then make you a key. Any reputable locksmith who has been doing it awhile should be able to do it in about 10 to 20 minutes.

I know its a big bulky heavey item but its worth it to me because I like to keep everything all original.

I'm sure u already know but never leave it with them to do

Hi John:
The locks can be picked, make sure you take an original Mills key so the locksmith will be able to see how the lock works. If he is good it should not take long. I picked one myself once but it took me days to do it and it was extremely frustrating, but fun. I will never try it again. Good Luck and if possible don't drill.

Most of the guys here will recommend that you remain with the machine while the locksmith does his magic. That way if there are any rare old coins or other stuff locked away inside . . .